Saturday, February 14, 2015

Today is the day that we celebrate those we love and those who love us. I encourage you to take a moment and think about a very important person in your life that you need to celebrate and show love to . . . YOU!

So often we express our dreams for ourselves through that quiet inner voice or through statements that we repeat over and over again so often that everyone around us rolls their eyes because they are sick of hearing it . . .

I wish I was healthier.

I wish I was thinner.

I wish I felt better.

I wish I had a different job.

I wish I had a nicer house.

I wish . . .

I wish . . .

I wish . . .

Wishes can come true! Dreams can turn into reality! Stop just thinking or saying it and do something about it.

We have the ability to make them happen. We simply need to take ACTION! We need to make the decision to take the first step. Get off the couch and take that first walk around the block. Pass up the chips and grab an apple. Pack your lunch instead of buying and set aside that $10 towards that new couch you've had your eye on. Sign-up for that class you've been needing to take toward your degree. Love yourself . . . trust yourself enough to do it! That first small step will lead to the next small step which will lead to the next small step which will lead to the realization of your dream before you know it.

Stop dreaming and take action TODAY - after you indulge in an amazing piece of chocolate, of course!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Today marks ten years since my husband's first back surgery. His first FAILED back surgery as the doctors describe it.

I was thinking about that this morning as I reflected on how that surgery was the springboard for our lives changing in drastic ways. Ways that we never wanted. Ways that most days - ten years later - we still don't want.

I was asking God the questions that I often ask Him - WHY? Why did this happen? What is your plan in all of this pain and anger and re-direction? - when the word FAILED popped back into my mind.

My husband's surgery was labeled as a failure. God's plan for our lives is PERFECT.

In many areas our lives have not been what we expected or dreamt. God's plan for our lives is PERFECT.

Many times I struggle to keep a smile on my face and keep "running" forward. God's plan for my life is PERFECT.

I realized this morning that that surgery ten years ago today was not seen as a failure in God's eyes. He saw it as part of his PERFECT plan for us. I still don't know why, but I know all that I truly need to know - God's plan is PERFECT.

"As for God, His way is PERFECT. The Lord's word is flawless. He shields all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30